Cannondale
Synapse Carbon 105
- 2017

Details

Cannondale's Synapse Carbon 105 simply begs for high-mileage fun. Synapse Endurance Race Geometry appeals to Gran Fondo specialists, high-mileage devotees, and riders who love the thought of a long, winding road. BallisTec carbon transfers power smoothly and damps road vibration. Once you get a taste of Shimano's 22-speed 105 drivetrain transferring all your power to the road smoothly and easily, you'll be searching out hills to climb. Mavic's Aksium wheels are the perfect pairing for this endurance machine, with climb-boosting low weight, and sprint-enhancing acceleration. Matched with high-quality Schwalbe tires, you're primed to pin every corner on your favorite road loop. Plus, Shimano's 105 brakes have power to spare. Throw in a sleek, supportive Cannondale saddle and a batch of their own prime components and you've got a hard bike to beat. With fit and performance like this, don't be surprised if you find yourself taking the long road home on your next ride.

I bought this to replace my 2012 Synapse Alloy....BIG mistake. Since purchasing two months, I have taken the bike back twice for a noisy bottom bracket, and four times to find a creaking noise in the seat post area and stem. On the last two visits, the mechanic took out the wedge assembly for the seat post, heavily greased it and said that it should be fixed. The next day, twenty minutes into my ride, the noise came back.
I will be taking the bike back in tomorrow to fix again and after that, I'm selling it. It rides nicely, but after a while the aggravation and worry about the creaking overcomes the fun of the ride.

My first carbon road bike after so many years on a Cannondale quick hybrid. This bicycle is perfect for going on long distance rides as well as being on roads that are not as smooth as desired. Great bicycle for those who want to get into cycling without spending too much but at the same time still have fun.

I bought this bike from Helen's two months ago and have 1600 kilometres on it now, split between commutes and longer weekend rides. It is everything I could have hoped for. The carbon frame makes long rides on bumpy roads and fast descents so much better than my old (perfectly adequate) aluminum Trek 1.5, and the components are perfect for what I want -- really, the 105 is great for all-around use. The gearing range (from 50:11 to 34:32) is wonderful; even if you are macho you probably wish for a bailout gear on occasion. Of course everyone wants the new disk brake version, so this bike has now become a screaming deal. And really, the brakes are fine.